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Doctor insights on:
My Ribs Hurt When I Cough

1

Muscle strain?:
The chest wall is comprised of ribs and muscles. The muscles of the chest can be strained just like any other muscles leading to tears and discomfort. Try antiinflammatory medication and if it persists see your doctor for an evaluation.
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Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an underlying disease or disorder. Some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive. A productive cough is one that brings up mucus.
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2

Intercostal paIn:
Excessive coughing often leads to an irritation of the muscles between the ribs or the nerve innervating each rib. Both would give you sharp pain when coughing or , in severe cases, even breathing. This is called intercostal neuralgia. Treatment is either therapy with rib mobilization, or intercostal nerve block.
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4

Rib pain...:
Sometimes people develop rib fractures without even knowing. Herniated discs in the spine can also occur from strenuous activity. See your physician. An imaging study such as x-ray or MRI may be helpful.
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10

Questran:
Possible. Questran causes allergies,GI effects gas, bloating, stomach pain; tingling/pain in left back may be allergy or colonic irritation as colon is high in back (almost mid scapula). Timing of the pain to Questran dosing?Same for the rib pain (referred irritation of colon).Alternatively could be viral/bacteria infection(pneumonia-mycoplasma), cold, since you are coughing. F/U w/doc today
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